A woman who helps young adults with learning disabilities into jobs has been honoured at a charity awards bash.

Jack’lyn Dussarrat, 33, picked up the gong for Employee of the Year from Enable Scotland.

The accolade was in recognition of her sterling efforts in securing much-needed work for people with learning difficulties.

“I love my job – I really enjoy working with people with learning disabilities,” said Jack’lyn.

“My job is to liaise with employers and set up placements and work with the young people to get them a permanent position.

“I come from a business and property background, so this is something completely different. I was working in a day centre with adults with physical disabilities, which was the driving force behind me switching careers.

“I do enjoy working with people with additional support needs and I hope to get into teaching as well.”

Jack’lyn is a Transitions Co-ordinator with Enable Scotland, based at Cardonald College.

The Paisley woman has worked for the charity for two years and focuses on helping people aged between 16 and 24 into work experience placements, with their CVs, interview techniques and eventually into permanent employment.

She was given the Employee of the Year award from Enable Scotland at their annual bash to celebrate the achievements of people involved with the charity.

Jack’lyn said Braehead was a good employer as was Gambado soft play centre at Xscape Braehead and shops B&M and M&Co.

“I would love to hear from more employers interested in taking on someone with learning disabilities,” she said.

“It can bring a lot of advantages to a company. People with learning difficulties tend to be very loyal, have good time keeping and will learn tasks well.

“They also have great personalities. Employers have told me when they’ve had someone on a placement they’ve just lit up the workplace.”

Jack’lyn added: “All my colleagues work really hard and would have deserved this award as well.

“It was a huge surprise to win this. I did not expect it. All my colleagues deserve recognition for the work they do.”

David Cameron, head of employment at Enable Scotland said: “I offer my sincere congratulations to Jack’lyn on winning this most deserved award, which was judged by Enable Scotland’s CEO against the criteria of significant support and performance.

“Jack’lyn brings many skills to the different projects she is involved in.

“She has touched the lives of many young people with learning disabilities and their parents/carers – making a real difference to them and their future.”

Meanwhile, clothing company Vision Outsourcing in Hillington was named small employer of the year at the awards bash.

It supplies bespoke clothing and corporate merchandise to sports clubs, local authorities, education and corporate customers.

Judges gave the company the award as it has involved an employee who has a learning disability in businesses all over Scotland as well as in their office base in Hillington.